Get prepared to breathe a deep sigh of relief. While it's not exactly the announcement we've been waiting for, it looks like we're thisclose to Focus Features and Universal Pictures bringing a director onboard for the Fifty Shades of Grey movie ... The lucky bloke appears to be none other than Joe Wright, who directed Anna Karenina, Hanna, Atonement, and Pride & Prejudice. He makes perfect sense, being that the studio has always wanted someone with "art-house sensibilities." (Other top contenders have included Bennett Miller, Patty Jenkins, and Gus Van Sant.)

It bears noting that sources say that there is currently no deal in place, and Wright has not officially won the job. Nonetheless, all signs point to an official announcement on the horizon.

He's been lauded for bringing out the best in ingénues like Keira Knightley and Saoirse Ronan, so it seems to follow that he'll be able to do the same for whoever is cast as Ana. (By the way, wouldn't be surprised if Ronan becomes a strong contender for the role if the gig is handed to Wright.)

In the hands of a misguided director, there's no doubt the film could turn into a total Skinemax-quality piece of crap. But Wright's resume shows he's more interested in quality and giving scripts a high-brow, classy spin vs. a cheap, tacky, lazy treatment.

He seems to be big on taking treasured books and bringing them to the big screen in a way that pleases devoted fans.

He's British, just like screenwriter Kelly Marcel and E.L. James, so maybe that will help them all get on the same page with the artistic vision for the flick.

He's won countless nominations and awards for his films -- from the Golden Globes to BAFTAs to Oscars -- so under his care, who's to say Fifty couldn't be an Oscar contender?

He's said to sometimes to compose his shots after classical paintings. Could make for a film that's as visually appealing as it is sexy.

Whether or not you're psyched about Wright being brought onboard, a director deal being sealed can only mean one exciting thing: The race to cast Ana and Christian will get real. No more games. It's ON.